"A recent post about Pocono Township contains misinformation from Maureen Madden that should be clarified.
Pocono Township did not declare itself a “sanctuary city,” and no vote was taken related to immigration enforcement.
First, Pocono Township is a township, not a city.
Second, a “sanctuary city” refers to policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect illegal immigrants from deportation. That is not what was discussed or voted on. And it is not something I support (although I’m sure Madden does).
What was voted on was a motion by Commissioner Velardi to declare Pocono Township a Second Amendment sanctuary—meaning the township will not enforce unconstitutional laws that infringe on the right to keep and bear arms. I support the Second Amendment and the Constitution and voted accordingly.
The suggestion that “tax hikes may be next” is also incorrect. The budget includes a 10% property tax reduction, not an increase. Maybe Maureen Madden is remembering her own deciding vote against a 50% property tax rebate up to $1,000 for every one of her constituents.
Disagreement is part of politics. Misrepresenting official actions is not. Residents deserve accurate information about what their local government is actually doing.
I hope Maureen Madden will start acting professionally, start telling the truth to her constituents, and maybe even learn the difference between a township and a city."